Sex difference in prevalence of minor psychiatric morbidity: a social epidemiological study in Taiwan

The female excess in prevalence of minor psychiatric morbidity (MPM) evident in a community study in Taiwan (n = 1023) was further investigated in terms of demographic variables, socioenvironmental risk factors and psychosocial stresses. It was suggested that a stronger effect of chronic psychosocial stressors accounted for the higher prevalence of MPM in women. Further analysis has revealed a longer mean duration of MPM in women and an incidence ratio close to unity between the sexes. These retrospective findings were further examined in a small one-year prospective outcome study; a poorer outcome was found among older subjects and female subjects. It is suggested that more females have MPM because chronic psychosocial stressors more adversely affect the course of such morbidity. These results are discussed in a cross-cultural context.